Stad Ship Tunnel
In April 2017, plans were given the go-ahead for the Stad Ship Tunnel in Norway; the first of its kind in the world. The project is part of the Norwegian National Transport Plan 2018-2029, smoothing the way for the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) to begin development work.
The Stad sea is the most exposed and dangerous part of the coast of Norway. Particularly complex and unpredictable navigational conditions are created by the combination of currents and subsea topography. This causes very high multi-directional waves, which can continue for several days after heavy wind has abated.
It is anticipated that the tunnel will reduce the risk of accidents, strengthening the region’s industrial and commercial activities, and making the voyage safer for passengers and freight.
Studies conducted in 2000/01 and 2007/08 analysed a range of cross-sections and routes for the tunnel. The final design crosses the narrowest point of the Stad Peninsula, with waters that are sufficiently shielded to allow shipping to use the tunnel.
The tunnel will be 1.7 km long, 37 m high and 26.5 m wide. The tunnel’s upper part will be run as per conventional road tunnel. Once that is complete, construction will progress downwards, layer by layer, in a process known as pallet blasting. Thresholds will be placed at both ends of the tunnel to enable dry tunnel operations.
In total, approximately 3 million cubic metres of rock will be removed by vehicles and large barges. There is a plan to establish a new landmass and expand existing areas of neighbouring municipalities with some of the removed material.
The estimated cost of the project is NOK 2.7 billion. There are optimistic predictions that the tunnel could be complete and open for shipping by early-2023. However, the project must first undergo a process of quality assurance and detailed cost estimates before being presented to the Norwegian parliament to approve funding. With parliamentary approval, construction work could begin in 2019.
Images and content courtesy Norwegian Coastal Administration.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.